Michelle L. Chiemiego

The meeting included the administration of oaths of office for several police department personnel and a formal presentation honoring a retiring captain. The council approved various financial reports, a raffle application, and resolutions regarding tax refunds and mailing fees for tax sale notices. Legislative actions included the approval of an ordinance concerning municipal budget appropriation limits, discussions on adjusting fees for boat ramp and trailer parking, and the introduction of an ordinance regarding the compensation of municipal officials. Additionally, the council discussed economic development initiatives, shade tree ordinance compliance, and potential parking and community outreach solutions in the township.

The agenda focuses on several key resolutions and applications, including the approval of a minor site plan for a fence installation for Florence Crossings I and a capital projects review for the township's water treatment facility improvements. Additionally, the board will review a minor site plan application for Woolman Construction and discuss the Delaware River Bridge Final Alternative Analysis Report.

The agenda includes reviewing the Court Administrator's and Tax Collector's monthly reports, the Treasurer's bill list, and an application for an on-premise 50/50 for the Florence Township Football Association. Key resolutions involve authorizing the Township Water and Sewer Engineer to solicit bids for repairs at the Main Street Pump Station, authorizing the Mayor to sign the Weiss Development TWA Extension, and placing a lien on private property for an unsafe structure. Additionally, the meeting will address ordinances regarding fees for boat ramps and trailer parking, as well as the compensation of township officials and employees. The council will also conduct a 2026 budget discussion and review the engineering and inspection status report.

The Regular Session meeting involved several significant discussions and actions. Key topics included approving financial correspondence, such as monthly reports and the Treasurer's Bill List. The Council also approved correspondence from the Planning Board regarding the Consistency Review of the Water Treatment Facility Improvements. A public comment session addressed concerns about accumulated trash in alleyways and snow removal practices, specifically focusing on snow being pushed into private property, leading to apologies and commitments to investigate and implement better guidance/training. Resolutions were approved authorizing an electronic tax sale, a tax payment refund, a payment certificate for specific road improvements, and awarding contract improvements for Broad Street (Phase II). Ordinance No. 2026-02, concerning financing and construction for potable water system improvements, passed its second reading and public hearing. Ordinance No. 2026-04 regarding budget appropriation limits was introduced. Committee reports covered a Japanese Knot Weed infestation near West Second Street and discussions on repairing library windows. Administration reports detailed ongoing efforts regarding the Rite Aid intersection project and concerns raised by the boating public over dock fees and usage, leading to the introduction of an ordinance amendment for fee adjustments. New business focused on developing clearer snow and trash removal plans, improving public outreach via potential text services, and scheduling presentations from department heads to review performance and budget status. Finally, the Council entered a closed session to discuss litigation related to Affordable Housing, potential real property acquisition, and attorney-client privilege matters.

The executive session included an introduction to two new dedicated members of the Library Board, Rochelle Stern and Peggy Manser, who possess extensive librarianship experience. Key discussions focused on developing a snow removal ordinance for sidewalks to ensure community safety, including considerations for enforcement, remedies, and providing a one-time warning period. The Council also reviewed and unanimously approved Resolution 2026-57 to authorize an application for a Local Recreation Improvement Grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to improve accessibility at Roebling Park. Furthermore, the Council voted to withdraw Ordinance 2026-01 concerning amendments to Chapter 132 Trees, pending comments from the NJDEP, after a detailed explanation regarding basal area replacement versus tree count for stormwater mitigation. Finally, Ordinance 2026-03 regarding Affordable Housing Ordinance Amendment was introduced and received its first reading.